Dayton: Deficit shows need for next governor
Democrat Mark Dayton held a news conference today to discuss the Revenue Forecast that shows a projected budget deficit of $6.2 billion. Dayton called it a "serious challenge" and said the state's fiscal situation shows the need for the next governor to be seated on January 3rd.
"These enormous challenges make it even more imperative that the next elected governor take office on January 3rd as Minnesota's constitution provides so he and his administration's budget team and agency heads will have enough time to present a balanced, responsible budget."
Dayton says he's sticking with his income tax plan and said every other option, including expanding gambling, needs to be on the table. He said he met with former finance commissioners and other budget experts to discuss ways to fix the deficit, but says his plans are still in the hypothetical stage. He offered few specifics.
Dayton, who led Republican Tom Emmer by 8,770 votes before the recount started, says he's spending every waking moment worrying about the state budget and a possible transition to the governor.
GOP leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate say they won't support a tax increase of any kind.
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